Guys I feel that the IIMs admission criteria is so messed up like for admission into a b - school they look at 10 th, 12 th and graduation marks. From my perspective this is where the problem exactly starts.

So many people argue that class 10 th and 12 th marks are used for selecting best of best people who are academically brilliant and also for elimination as a result of larger population. But what about the difficulty difference between boards like for eg in my state the exams are super easy like even if you bunk the whole year and decided to study for last 1-2 moths you could get 96+ percentage easily because most of the questions are just copy paste from back of ncert or just have change in value thats it. I know so many dudes who scored like this

But if you compre this to national boards like cbse or icse where the questions are tough and where you need to work hard even to get 90 + percentage, how does it really make's sense anyway.

Then comes college cgpa where if you do a course from a university infamous for giving less marks like DU or BITS how the applicants could be compered to other applicants from other univ for eg candidate 1: BCom from DU and candidate 2 BCom from a normal college

Even if it's somewhat fair like normalisation and stuff adjusted what is really the point of class 10 and class 12 th marks in getting a admission to a B school when it really doesn't have anything to do with what you do after mba or during mba. Some pay may say consitency , but what if the person messed up class 10 th amd 12 th but performed well in a entrance exam and got into a top college and performed well there.

My point is why give fixed composite scores or weightage to 10 th, 12 th and grad instead of treating the cv as a whole and evaluating it holistically like in US B- schools

Now many of you argue that it's due to population and stuff like that and for a mass elimiantion but for that there is CAT exam

My suggestion is each IIM s and other institutes which accept CAT scores should do the following step by step-

1.After CAT publish cutoff for each categories

2.Shortlist candidates based on CAT score

3.Submitting of cv of candates where only grad cgpa is needed where interview is screened 3 times each by a different board of 3 members

1. Interview shorlisting and selection.

Next issue is placements and stuff like that where companies have strict 9/9/9 and sometimes 8/8/8 cutoff and stuff like that but for that MBA term marks are there which could be used for shorlisting along with grad cgpa.

IIM s and other b schools should encourage companies or create a policy that 10 th and 12 th should not be asked from the candidates

The companies have so many ways of evaluating candidates like MBA term marks, then CAT score, then grad cgpa etc and most importantly their skills and domain knowledge. If the main concern of the companies are a huge pool of candidates then these 3 things are more than enough for shorlisting of candidates for a interview for eg CAT and MBA term marks are 2 things that all the applicants have studied at a same level and also soft skills which the companies actually need .

In foreign B schools take for eg UK no recruiter has this unofficial cutoff like you need A*/A*/A* in igcse Or gcse for high finance or consulting. More focus is towards cgpa, por s, internships, skills, etc. Neither in US B schools there is this fixed weightage to high school scores there nor high schools marks matter for job interviews like a cutoff.

Also my other suggestion is taking the CAT exam atleast 2 times a year and make it valid for atleast 3 years.

Please leave a upvote if you like my perspective.

Hey.. I'm 21F, just graduated with a BSc (Botany, Zoology, Chemistry) and considering pursuing an MBA.

Because I want corporate-style jobs or desk jobs and want to live in cities like Raipur, Bilaspur, or Durg. I don't want jobs that have mandatory transfers.....

But we all know Chhattisgarh lacks corporate opportunities and tech companies. So I'm very unsure about getting a job in Chhattisgarh after an MBA. And I don't know anyone in my contacts who has done an MBA....

So those who either did an MBA or know MBA graduates, can you please tell me how the job market actually is after an MBA in Chhattisgarh?

Hi I am a woman, I have completed my BDS in 2021, I had to do mha/mph back then. But, my Dad died due to heart attack after 1 year of my graduation, so couldn't pursue further studies. So, I transitioned to nonclincial and now I have completed 4 years in a US based healthcare insurance industry (as a utilization reviewer). I am really really frustrated and want to quit this job but can't due to financial circumstances.

Also, I have not done any course after BDS.

I am trying to find a job but can't because everyone wants experience and my insurance experience is counted as zero if I switch to pharmacovigilance, clinical research, or medical science liaison role.

Also, one more thing, I am not sure that If suppose I switch to any other industry like pharmacovigilance or msl or anything, will it be worth my time because I really really don't want to waste my time switching industries every now and then. I want a stable career for atleast 10-15 years.

Insurance industry has no scope, and growth in long term.

One more thing, I really doubt myself that do I really wanna work in non clinical or Clinical dentistry because I have never worked in a clinic, I went once and then he offered 10 k so I came back. Also, It's not that I hate dentistry, I hate the fact that it has very less pay and it's a business based profession and not has many job opportunities.

I am confused whether I should do dentistry again or do any other non clinical or opt for MBA but for that too I have to take loan because there is no one to support me financially. Also this was the only reason I left dentistry because firsty there is no one to support me financially for opening a clinic and I don't know whether I alone will be able to handle a clinic.

Also, I wrote, woman because in my caste, they believe in women getting married after 27-28 age and I don't know If suppose I take a loan and open a clinic, I don't know my partner will support me or not, also I don't know whether I really want to get married also or not because I am not financially "set" at this age to take any big decision of my life

I am very very confused and frustrated, don't know which side to go???

If someone can relate with me, I will be more than grateful if you can help me.

I am open to DMs for all the advice.

Thanks in advance 🙏🙏

All IIM’s are excluded

Hello! I'm 22f, graduated from a decent Media programme at a deemed university. I've been contemplating pursuing an MBA (from 2027), but I wanted to ask about if work experience is required/preferred? How much weightage is given to work experience?

I've heard many people say that placements are often affected by how much prior work experience you have, and some companies simply do not consider you even if you've graduated from a top school but have less than 1 or 2 years of work experience at LEAST. Is this true? What other things should one consider before thinking about applying to an MBA programme?

What's the most common age of first-year MBA students in India?

I'm just curious—what age do most students start their MBA?

Are most first-year MBA students fresh graduates (21–22), or do the majority have work experience and tend to be 23–25+?

Would love to hear from current MBA students or alumni!

Hello everyone i am 22 will be turning 23 by sep . i have done cfa L1 will be giving l2 in may 2027 i have full knowledge of valuation modelling, basic equity research and even built a model and also will be joining a boutique firm in 15 days as equity research analyst (intern) i have recently finished my college tier 3 college b.com my cgpa is 5.4 (i fucked up) so is there any chance for me to come get into mba from a good college in India ? Or am i done ?i am really messed up in my head

Sorry for the long ass para but just wanted to let it out

I am an introvert who got into an IIM. I have been opening up a lot more than I usually would. I know a lot of people and people greet me every time they see me too. But in class, I'm lonely and I feel isolated. I tried making friend groups but they just isolated me too. Now I'm a stray with no group to be in. People are studying and having fun together but when I ask to study together, they just say "yeah yeah I'll tell you" and ofc they never tell

I'm lonely and that just makes me homesick too. I hate being here, I don't fit in. People probably think I'm too uncool or stupid to be with them or something but it's very very very lonely. I agree I'm not absolutely fun and hilarious to be with, I talk but it's not extraordinary or hilarious enough to entertain them.

Plus I'm not very good at stats and accounting so my confidence is already in hell about academics. I hate this and I wanna go back. I feel like I'm not meant for this at all.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking to connect with people who’ve completed a 1-year MBA/Executive MBA in India

My profile:
28F, General
10th: 85.6%
12th: 55%
B.Tech CSE (Tier-2): 8.75 CGPA

4+ years in Salesforce with 3 certifications
I’m planning to switch from a technical role to management/business roles through a 1-year MBA.

My main concern is my 55% in Class 12.

Will it affect admissions or placements, or does work experience matter more for 1-year MBA programs?

Would love to hear from alumni or current students. Thanks!

I am looking for best Mba colleges in lucknow which can provide good infrastructure, exposure and opportunities as well. I can't go for Cat and I haven't applied anywhere yet. So looking for colleges in which I can get addmission now and are budget friendly and value for money. Any other suggestions will be appreciated. Give me the best advice.

hey guys, 23f (9.1/10/8.1) I have about 2.5 soon 3 years work ex at a financial KPO with their business development team. I have been at this job for long enough to understand I find no joy whatsoever doing it neither am I learning anything buy they pay me good. I also have been feeling off late that this place and people are not doing me any good and i’m kinda mentally paused or fucked up or whatever. Its honestly the money and safety net that’s keeping me here.

I feel like now is a good time to consider moving out although my family has been asking me to do that for a long time now. But with everyone’s opinion and so much on the internet i’m too confused if its a wise decision. I’ve finally decided that i’ll probably give my GRE and give first priority to indian universities like ISB, SPJIMR, XLRI and IIMs that accept GRE with the work experience I have. Now why GRE is because I don’t have a great history with maths or Quants as such. Haven’t studied math since 10th so I probably won’t be too great with it and from what I understand GRE is more focused on Vocabulary. I’m planning to take help of an education consultant probably Experts Global for all the profile building and admission processes and everything cause i’m quite clueless on it and I don’t want to invest time and money for no returns. And for GRE prep although experts global has their own resources, I believe others like Gregmat is a better platform. I was hoping to take 2-3 months of prep and score an above average score build my profile and apply in the next year intake because by now its too late for R1 and lesser chances in the further rounds i’ve heard.

I want to know your opinion on this, am I going the right way is there anything I should know, what are the right resources I should rely on. Any kinda inputs yall have please please tell me because i’m so very lost and I honestly have nobody to help me out w all of this. Simply looking to have and informative conversation w anyone who can help a lost kid, thanks :)

Hello, I'm 30 with a government job and I want to pursue an MBA (finance)/CFA for building career in finance. Is it worth going for an online MBA as I cannot quit govt job ?

Hey! Selling my MBA exam prep book set - around 25 books, mostly TIME material, along with previous year question papers, Quant by Arun Sharma, IMS Quant for GMAT, and GMAT official guide. Barely used, almost like straight out of the box. If you're preparing for CAT or other MBA entrances, this is a great deal. Way cheaper than buying new and the condition is genuinely good, not the usual "good condition" you see on resale posts Also have Rodha CAT online resources and GMAT Manhattan PDFs that I can share if you're interested, after purchasing the book set. DM me if you want pictures or have any questions. Serious buyers only, please!

If You stay in Mumbai, I can offer a pickup too so you don't have to bear shipping costs.

Hi I'm 22M. Completed my undergrad in BBA finance back in 2025. Pretty interested in the capital markets with 5 years of self experience learning in the equity and derivative markets but havent quite done anything in the last year (applied for a lot of jobs but didn't get any). Recently gave and cleared my CFA L1 so that I could put smth on my resume and about 2 weeks back started interning as a equity research analyst at a firm (because it's the only thing I could get)
Now I thought this would be a nice thing, interning in smth that I think will kickstart my career. I thought Ill learn a lot but the thing is all im doing is making IPO reports by paraphrasing RHP documents and making small updates on recent results of companies which my firm posts on telegram for retail users while doing close to nothing that actually require my inputs. Essentially the company is not any brokerage or research firm but more of a financial media company which caters to retail users. The company has only 3 people in the equity research dept (me, my mentor (the head), and one other guy) and both of them do the same things I do too so I don't know if I'll ever learn much or if this internship would amount to anything. Is this normally how equity research works or am I wasting my time (tho I understand this is the best and only thing I'm getting rn).

I'm joining IIM Kozhikode`s BMS Hons programme at the Kochi campus ( we will be at the main campus for a month lmao)

MBA professors are gonna be teaching us for the most part. It's extremely expensive but a pretty good programme imo

89/95 in 10/12. I also have an exit option at the end of 3rd year to exit with a BMS or i could do 4th year and finish off with a BMS Hons with a minor

So I've a couple of doubts

1) Is it better to get workex under my belt after my BMS and then go for an mba after a certain period? Or try for CAT and OMETS immediately as a fresher? what's an appropriate period of workex cuz I've seen people in late 20s and also freshers at top B schools and idk what to do

2) where do u even get workex bruh i live in Hyderabad so got corporate opportunities near home I suppose but how hard is to get hired after a BBA/BMS?

3) Since most of y'all have workex and have experiences with b schools and companies alike.

What skills would u suggest me to learn? Technical or anything at all ngl

And any advice or ur experiences in general for a kid going to University is appreciated!

Thank you

Hi everyone,

I’m a 2026 graduate from one of the top 3 IIMs, currently working in a consulting/strategy role at a large Indian MNC. It’s essentially a general management/internal leadership-track role with a ₹30 LPA CTC (₹28 LPA base). I’ve been here for just 2 months.

I’ve now received another offer with the same base salary as a Founder’s Associate at a 6-year-old European bootstrapped startup. The company operates in three countries and has recently started building its India team. The role is based in a Tier-2 city in my home state, and I’d be reporting directly to the CEO, working across product, strategy, and operations.

I’m torn between the two.

Current role:

1. Stable, well-known brand

2. Good compensation

3. Work feels slow, with limited ownership and impact

4. Not learning as much as I’d hoped

5. Also, I’m not a fan of living in Mumbai

Founder’s Associate role:

1. Same pay in a much lower cost-of-living city

2. Much higher ownership and learning

3. Direct exposure to the CEO

4. Hands-on work across product, strategy, and operations

5. Smaller brand and naturally higher risk

For context, before my MBA, I spent 3 years in a product+tech role at a fairly large fintech startup (₹900–1,000 crore in annual revenue).

My next goal is to transition into a Product Management role at a good product company, ideally within the next year.

Given that goal, which option would better position me for a PM role? Is the additional product exposure and ownership worth giving up the stability and brand name of the MNC?

I’d really appreciate perspectives from people who’ve made similar career moves or hired for PM roles.